Town Council sets tax collection rate at 97.7% amid budget discussions

The West Warwick Town Council held its second public hearing on the budget for the fiscal year on April 8, 2025. The meeting focused on various financial concerns, including the town's surplus, school funding, and the collection rate for taxes.

Council members discussed the town's financial health, noting that the current surplus is insufficient compared to other municipalities. One council member expressed concern over the school department's projected $5 million deficit, emphasizing the importance of maintaining adequate funding for education. The sentiment was that cutting the school budget would be detrimental to the town's future.

A significant point of discussion was the proposed use of surplus funds to balance the budget. Several council members voiced their opposition to this practice, arguing that relying on surplus could jeopardize the town's financial stability. The council agreed that it is crucial to approach budgeting responsibly, especially in light of ongoing negotiations regarding solid waste and recycling contracts.

The council also addressed the collection rate for taxes, with a motion made to set the rate at 97.7%. This decision would result in a tax rate of 1.75% and a levy rate of 3.08%. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

As the meeting concluded, the council prepared to move forward with the provisional budget, which will be submitted to the Division of Municipal Finance. The next steps include advertising the budget for public review, with a final vote scheduled for May 8, 2025. The council emphasized the importance of adhering to the timeline to ensure compliance with state regulations.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to fiscal responsibility while addressing the needs of the community, particularly in education and essential services.